Pradhan Mantri KISAN Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi is a central sector scheme under the government of India which provides income support to the farmers and their families. The Government of Telangana initially implemented the Rythu Bandhu scheme as the first iteration of the PM-KISAN scheme, directly handing a specific amount to eligible farmers. Later, on 1 February 2019, during the 2019 Interim Union Budget of India, Piyush Goyal announced the implementation of this scheme as a nationwide project.

What is PM-KISAN?

Launched on 24th February 2019 to support the financial needs of landholding farmers, this initiative provides a financial benefit of Rs 6000/- per year in three equal installments, every four months, directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers families across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
The government of India funds the Central Sector Scheme, originally designed for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) with landholdings up to 2 hectares.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare oversees the execution of this scheme, and the government provides 100% of the funding.

Objectives of PM-KISAN Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, implemented by the Government of India, is all about having the backs of our small and marginal farmers. It’s like a helping hand to increase their income.

To provide income support to all eligible land-holding farmers and their families.
PM-KISAN scheme also aims to supplement the financial needs of the farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income.
The scheme is expected to increase the coverage of PM-KISAN to around 14.5 crore beneficiaries. It aims to cover around 2 crores more farmers with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 87,217.50 crores that will be funded by the Central Government.

Eligibility of PM-KISAN Scheme

To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, small or marginal farmers should not fall under the following categories:

People who own land as institutions are not eligible.
Those who currently hold or have held constitutional posts, ministerial positions, or have been members of legislative bodies are not eligible.
Former and current Mayors of Municipal Corporations, as well as Chairpersons of District Panchayats, are excluded.
Serving or retired officers and employees under Central or State Government ministries, offices, or departments are not eligible.
Retired pensioners receiving a monthly pension of Rs.10,000 or more and falling into the above categories are not eligible.
Individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year are not eligible.
Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and practicing their professions are not eligible.

Farmers eligible for the scheme need to provide the following documents for verification:

Citizenship Certificate
Landholding Papers
Aadhaar Card
Bank Account Details

Advantages of PM-KISAN Scheme

Officials have officially registered all farmer records on a digital platform, simplifying the process of registration and fund transfers. The digitalised records have brought about a new start to this welfare scheme.
The direct transfer of funds is one of the biggest advantages of this scheme.
This scheme eases liquidity constraints of farmers.
There is no discrimination in choosing the PM-KISAN beneficiaries.
PM-KISAN yojana is a big step towards the Government’s initiatives of modernisation of agriculture.